Clinical Research Assistant

Department Overview

The primary mission of the Division of Oncological Sciences at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute is to better understand cancer through basic, translational, and population-based research that improves cancer prevention, detection, and treatments for all. Our community of faculty, trainees, and staff brings together scientists from a broad range of disciplines and works collaboratively to advance innovation and translate discoveries from the lab into meaningful impacts for cancer patients and our community.

Centered on team science, our research is organized around four areas:
Precision Systems Oncology, Cancer Data Science (includes Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics), Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Cancer Data Science. A foremost priority is to better understand cell plasticity by gaining the ability to experimentally decipher transitions from normal to cancer, cancer to metastasis, and metastasis to resistance.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

We are seeking a full-time research assistant to work on multiple ongoing clinical research studies in people with cancer. The individual in this position must be highly motivated and interested in being a key member of a research team studying the impact of cancer treatment and exercise on the health and survival of individuals with cancer. This person will be part of a core clinical research team that collaborates with a larger multi-disciplinary team with expertise in exercise physiology, oncology, and health.

This is a fully on-site position, no remote work option.

• Recruiting research participants, coordinating and conducting data collection, communicating regularly with research participants.
• Managing REDCap survey upkeep and confirming participant survey completion
• Ensuring the proper conduct of clinical trials.
• Work independently under general supervision and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Communicate any problems and concerns, and suggest solutions to the Project Director, Lab Manager, and/or Principal Investigator of the projects.
• A strong passion for recruiting participants in clinical settings and by phone is essential.
• Develop databases, participant tracking systems, and standard operating procedures for research projects.

Familiarity with conducting clinical research in older adults and/or clinical populations at OHSU is strongly preferred. A person who possesses excellent organization and data management skills, as well as strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills, can work independently, identify and solve problems, and thrive in a team environment is essential. The person hired must be CPR/First Aid certified (certification can be obtained upon hiring).

This is a grant-funded position for up to one year, but may be extended depending on project needs and funding.

• Bachelor's in relevant field OR Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience OR 3 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Ability to recruit participants in clinical settings and by phone
• Ability to communicate clearly and consistently, demonstrate a high level of professionalism and interact well with participants and medical staff
• Ability to attend to details and complete assignments with minimal direction
• Familiarity working with Word, Excel, and other MS Office programs
• Data collection and entry experience
• Excellent verbal communication skills in English language

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in exercise science, health promotion, nutrition, health education, nursing or related field
• Prior experience conducting research at OHSU
• Experience working with older adults and/or clinical populations
• Familiarity with…